MAJOR decisions in Somerset could be taken at a more local level following the transition to the county’s new unitary authority.

On April 1, 2023, Somerset County Council and the four district councils – Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton, and South Somerset – will be replaced by Somerset Council, which will take on all the existing councils’ responsibilities for services.

To prevent power from being over-centralised in any one part of the county, the new council will set up a number of local community networks (LCNs) which could have a range of decision-making powers.

A formal consultation on the LCNs – including how many there should be and what powers they should have – has been launched, with residents being able to put their views across until mid-October.

What are LCNs – and why do we need them?

LCNs were a fundamental part of the business case for Somerset Council, which was approved by the government in July 2021.

With one council responsible for all decisions about children’s services, adult social care, highways, planning, schools and licensing (among other things), there is a danger of power being too centralised in one location (such as County Hall in Taunton).

The LCNs were included in the unitary package to ensure that “local voices are heard, partners are brought together, and decisions are taken with the benefit of local knowledge and experience”.

Each LCN will be committees of the new council, with formal decision-making powers and influence, which will meet locally – reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to put their views across.

Once the new council is up and running on April 1, 2023, they will become an essential part of its day-to-day decision-making, making choices which will shape the future of this county.

Has this been tried before – and did it work?

Three LCN pilots have been operating in Somerset since the business case was approved, looking at the way in which different public bodies (including local councils, the emergency services, the NHS and voluntary organisations) can work together.

Each pilot has focussed on different areas:

  • The Exmoor Area pilot has trialled a new approach to delivering highway services;
  • The Frome Area pilot has emphasised children, young people and families;
  • The South East Somerset pilot (in the Wincanton, Bruton and Castle Cary area) has considered rural isolation and well-being.

The work of these pilots is still being evaluated, with the results being used to inform how the new LCNs will function.

What are the options?

The consultation will be asking for your views on every aspect of the LCNs – their powers and responsibilities, the boundaries they cover, and even their names.

There are three options:

  • Proposal A has 19 LCNs, and focuses on clustering numerous villages around a single large town (where possible) in each case;
  • Proposal B has 18 LCNs, and appears to emphasise population spreads;
  • Proposal C has 10 LCNs, and more closely resembles the existing boundaries of the four district councils.

Each of the 110 Somerset Council division members will set on the LCN in their area, along with partners from parish, town and city councillors, the NHS, schools and other interested parties.

Each LCN is expected to meet six to eight times a year, with locally-led groups pursuing their goals between meetings.

Cllr Val Keitch, portfolio holder for local government reorganisation, said: “The new unitary council will cover a large geographic area, so we are mindful we need a model for communities where local voices are heard, partners are brought together, and decisions are taken with the benefit of local knowledge and experience.

“LCNs will be committees of the unitary council, supported by dedicated officers and managers, with formal decision-making powers and influence. They will address local issues and priorities, support health and wellbeing activities, and improve outcomes for our residents.

“We want the public to help us shape them. That’s why we are encouraging people to take part in the consultation and have their say on how LCNs will operate, and where they think they should be located.

“LCNs must have the potential to develop their role alongside the new Somerset Council in the years to come. And it’s important to stress, in this challenging economic environment, that they must be effective, sustainable and also affordable.”

How do I have my say – and what happens next?

The consultation opened on Monday (September 5) and will officially close on October 17 – so you’ve got around six weeks to give your views.

The easiest way to take part in the consultation is by visiting https://somerset.inconsult.uk/LCNs/consultationHome and completing the online questionnaire.

If you want a paper copy of the consultation, or would like the information in an easy-read or alternative format, email LCN@somerset.gov.uk or call Somerset County Council direct on 0300 123 2224.

If you prefer to give your views in person, you can visit one of the following events:

  • September 7, 10am-4pm: Somerset West and Taunton Council, Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton;
  • September 22, 10am-4pm: Mendip District Council, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet;
  • September 29, 10am-4pm: South Somerset District Council, Brympton Way, Yeovil;
  • October 7, 10am-4pm: Sedgemoor District Councl, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater;
  • October 10, 10am-4pm: Somerset West and Taunton Council, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton.

Following the consultation, the council’s executive will debate the finding and make a final decision on the number and powers of the LCNs on November 16. All the LCNs will be in place ahead of ‘vesting day ‘ in April 2023.